What Makes Architectural Photography Different?

Architectural photography is a specialized field that
involves taking pictures of buildings, angles and landscaping. Here are
several steps that show you how architectural photography differs from
so many other great forms of photography.

Image Distortion

As a photographer, you need to understand and apply different
concepts depending on the type of shots you are taking. Image
distortion is a very important part of taking a photograph of a
building or architectural work. When you take a look at a building,
you will see many different lines. Some of those lines will run in a
horizontal fashion and other lines will run vertically. As you take the
photograph, the building's lines tend to come out distorted. Why does
this happen? Well, it usually occurs because a photographer has chosen
to take the picture from the wrong point of view or because the
photographer does not have the appropriate equipment for architecture
photography.

Camera

Again, focusing on image distortion, you will want to pick a camera
called a view camera. Most photographers cannot wait to jump at the
chance to purchase an SLR camera, but for this type of photography, an
SLR camera will still promote a variety of distortion. A view camera
actually helps to minimize the distortion and will allow the
photographer, such as yourself, take a photograph of a building from
any different angle or height. If you are looking to take photographs
as a professional architectural photographer, this is a camera you
cannot do without.

Lens

Again, staying with the theme of distortion, the lens has a lot to
do with promoting these types of problems. Never choose a wide angle
lens as it will just promote distortion.

How to Take a Great Photograph

A great photograph for architectural photography is generally taken
at a high vantage point. Taking these types of photographs while
standing at the base of the building is often not wise as the
proportion of your building, showing in your photograph will look
distorted and will not look to scale.

Lighting

Lighting is just as important in architectural photography as it is
with other types of photography. However, the light applied to a
photograph of a building can change the mood of the building, the
perceived height and the perceived massiveness. Many buildings are
captured best in the evening (from about dusk until dawn).

Tripod

A tripod adds so much stability when taking photographs of different
buildings. It gives you more time to focus on developing the right
angle. It will keep your hands free and your arms well rested.